SFC Herbert L. Felder, Sr.

Life Herbert L. Felder, Sr. was born on October 24, 1931, to Edward Eugene and Mary Minnie Lee Felder in Winter Park, Florida. From an early age, Herbert displayed a strong entrepreneurial spirit, developing a love for gardening and selling vegetables to his neighbors as a teenager. He attended Hannibal Square Elementary and Hungerford High School in Eatonville, Florida. After high school, Herbert was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served two years before returning home to marry his childhood sweetheart, Marjorine Simmons. Together, they raised four children. His service to his country did not stop there—Herbert reenlisted and served an additional 18 years, ultimately retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class. Herbert was a true Renaissance man. He was a member of the U.S. Army Alaska Boxing Team and won the welterweight boxing championship. He was also an amateur artist, sculptor, carpenter, agricultural scientist, and entrepreneur. He returned to school and earned an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture from Seminole Community College. Herbert was an active member of New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Altamonte Springs, Florida, where he served as the Superintendent of Sunday School (now Bible Discovery) and taught adult classes. He also made an impact on his community as President of the South Seminole Community Association for Progress in the Winwood area, of Altamonte Springs. Legend Herbert became well-known for his organically grown produce, which he sold at farmer’s markets in Winter Park, Orlando, College Park, and Oviedo; for over 30 years, he and his beloved wife Marjorine served the Orange County communities. His signature “wide straw hat, denim shirt, and overalls” became iconic, as noted in the Orlando Sentinel. In 1989, he became a certified organic farmer and went on to own and operate a farm in Georgia, where he sold organic produce wholesale to Chamberlin’s and Hoover Market. Herbert was recognized as the last black farmer in Seminole County at the 2010 Heritage Jubilee hosted by Seminole State College and the African American Cultural Forum. Legacy Herbert’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ shaped his entire life, and his steadfast belief in integrity, hard work, and service has deeply influenced the generations of Felders that follow him. His legacy of leadership, strength, and commitment to his faith continues to live on in his family, which includes servicemen, educators, business leaders, community servants, entrepreneurs, and amateur farmers. His passion for the Lord, family, and community has left a lasting imprint on all who knew him. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Eugene and Mary Felder, and his three sisters: Eugenia Baylor, Mary Edgar Dowdell, and Betty Felder. Herbert leaves behind his devoted loving Wife of 70 years, Marjorine Felder; a left lonesome Brother, William Felder; and four Children: Cathy Carter (Jerry), Herbert Felder, Jr., Eric Felder, and Joseph Felder (Jamila). He is also survived by 16 Grandchildren: Naquisha (Yemi), Lauren (Steve), Pereisha, Christina (Maurice), Herbert III (Ashley), Jennifer (Carlton), Ken, Joseph Jr. (Ashley), Erica, Victoria, Justin, Spencer, Camren, Felicia, Marjorine, and Florentino; 33 Great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends

Tributes

SFC Herbert L. Felder, Sr.

October 24, 1931 - September 19, 2024